Knots on a Counting Rope

by Bill Martin Jr, John Archambault, Ted Rand (Illustrator)

Overview

In Knots on a Counting Rope, Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault tell a poignant story about a boy’s emerging confidence in facing his blindness in this beautiful children’s picture book illustrated by Ted Rand.

By the warmth of a campfire beneath a starry night sky, a Navajo youth named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses listens to the tale of his birth from his grandfather. Although blind, the boy learns that he has the strength to cope with his condition and meet any challenge that comes his way.

“The powerful, spare, poetic text is done full justice by Rand’s fine full-color illustrations…The love, hope, and courage expressed are universal.”— Booklist (starred review)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805054798
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	09/15/1997
Series:	Reading Rainbow Books
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	72,195
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

BILL MARTIN JR (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer and poet, with doctorate in early childhood education. In addition to the beloved Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Martin's books include Listen to the Rain and Knots on a Counting Rope.

John Archambault is a poet, journalist, and storyteller who collaborated with Bill Martin Jr. and Ted Rand on several books, including The Ghost-Eye Tree and Here Are My Hands.

Ted Rand (1915-2005) was a prolific artist whose illustrations appeared in magazines, newspapers, and children’s books. In addition to his work with Martin and Archambault, Rand illustrated My Buddy and Salty Dog.

Editorial Reviews

A rich tale of intergenerational love and respect.... It is a moving collaborative effort that reverberates long after the book is closed.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

From the Publisher

A Native American grandfather tells a blind boy the inspirational story of the child's birth. "A rich tale of intergenerational love and respect... that reverberates long after the book is closed," PW wrote. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

K-Gr 4 Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses begs his grandfather to tell him again the story of the night he was born. In a question-and-answer litany, the boy and his grandfather share the telling of the events on that special nightthe wild storm; the frantic ride for the grandmother/midwife; the birth of the frail, sickly boy; and the blessings of the blue horses. Through a staccato dialogue, readers learn how the boy, who was born blind, teaches his horse to run the trails. They enter a race, and although the boy does not win, his grandfather tells him that he has ``raced darkness and won.'' The boy and his grandfather each have such a distinctive voice and cadence that there is no need of imposing qualifiers such as ``he said.'' The story unfolds naturally, exhibiting the love between the boy and his grandfather. The illustrations, executed in strong watercolors, capture the beauty and strength of the southwest. Through form and color, Rand creates enduring mountains, fluffy clouds floating in a brilliant blue sky, and the gritty textures of the earth. The people exhibit character, individuality, and pride. And the loving bond eloquently expressed in the text is also reflected in the profiles of the two seated figures surrounded by the glow of the campfire. Parents and grandparents should share this book, and then their own stories, with children. Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library

School Library Journal

The powers of storytelling and kinship are palpable as Tom Stechshulte and Norm Lee narrate this well-loved story of a young boy and his grandfather recounting the early events in the boy's life. With each retelling, a knot is tied in their counting rope. Stechshulte and Lee pass the story back and forth with deep respect for the two characters and with a blunt but supportive forthrightness as they talk of the obstacles the boy has encountered and other he will face in his life. Love and determination ring clear. The relaxed pace offers time to reflect. Who will be the next teller of the tale? A.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

DEC 05/JAN 06 - AudioFile